|
The majority of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes usually occurs in people over 30 years of age but it may occur in overweight teenagers and children with a family history of diabetes. Diabetes often runs in the family and can be triggered by aspects of lifestyle such as overweight and inactivity.
People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to carry excess weight around the waist and to have high blood pressure. They are also more likely to have raised cholesterol and heart disease. This is called the “metabolic syndrome”
What happens in the body with type 2 diabetes?
Initially insulin is still produced by the pancreas, but is less effective than normal. This is called insulin resistance and is an inherited characteristic made worse by carrying extra body fat. Because insufficient insulin is available for glucose to move from the blood stream into the body cells and the liver, excess glucose remains in the blood stream resulting in higher than normal blood glucose levels (BGLs).
After several years of diabetes, the pancreas may become “exhausted” and produce less insulin.
Unless blood glucose levels are very high, symptoms may not occur, so many people with type 2 diabetes may not be aware they have diabetes.
How is Type 2 diabetes treated?
The aim of treatment is to control blood glucose levels and to prevent long term problems associated with diabetes such as heart disease.
Healthy eating and physical activity are the first steps to getting blood glucose levels and blood pressure under control. If blood glucose levels are not well enough controlled with diet and exercise, anti-diabetic tablets may be necessary. Many people with type 2 diabetes will also require insulin injections at some stage to manage their diabetes.
Take the Risk test
Living with Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
 Type 2 Diabetes - Factsheet (248kb)
|
